The Child-centered Library in Salakh, Qeshm
The child-centered library of Salakh started its work after renovation with a new design and atmosphere.
On December 2015 and November 2016 the Read with Me program held workshops in a library in Salakh, Qeshm. The continuous Reading Aloud sessions and the brilliant performance of this library in implementing the RWM project encouraged the Institute for Research on the History of Children’s Literature to equip this library by the financial support of Ms. Sedigheh Mahdavi, the founder of Mahdavi School in Tehran and turn it into a child-centered library. Therefore, on 3-4 February 2017 a group of RWM experts traveled to Qeshm and with the help of local students, they equipped this library and gave it a makeover.
In the spring of 2012, this library was established by the efforts of Children’s Book Council with 1000 book titles. In December 2015, the RWM workshops were held in this library for a group of 17 volunteers by the request of the head of the library, Ms. Golestan Poureh and on March 2016, 250 books were sent to this library by IRHCL. The second round of workshops was held in November 2016. Despite regular Reading Aloud sessions and activities in this library, the overall space was not suitable for children.
Photos of the library before reconstruction:
Renovation of the building and painting the walls was the first step taken by the library authorities in order to start this makeover.
Photos of the library on 3 February, after reconstruction, when the RWM group started their work:
The new design of this library is based on the following criteria:
- Considering the standards for children’s libraries
- Designing an economical library
- Using recyclable materials for environmental purposes
- Encouraging local people and students to cooperate
The cooperation of children in the process of work is worth mentioning. The students who study in the nearby Elementary School joined the RWM group in their spare time and not only created an active and cheerful atmosphere but also helped speeding up the progress.
Photos of the work in progress:
In this round, 1200 quality books were sent to the library. By equipping and renovating the library, this center will continue its activities and by encouraging people to read, it will promote this program in other villages of Qeshm as well.
The final result:
Libraries made out of wood and cloth which showcase the books right in front of children’s eyes
Interactive map and calendar for introducing time and geographical concepts to children
Reading Aloud room for preschool children with designs from “What & What & What, An Infant”
Reading Aloud room for older children with designs from “Palm Tree and Goat Legend”
Chairs made with recyclable tires
Chairs made with recyclable water bottles
With special thanks to Ms. Fatemeh Gourani and Ms. Khadidje Poureh, the staff of Ma’refat Elementary School and Mr. Mohammad Daryaee, the principal of Shahid Mofatteh Elementary school who helped a lot in the process of this project.
This post is also available in: Persian
